Women ‘failed by firms with no policy on IVF’

EMPLOYERS are letting down women who need IVF, with nearly half of firms having no policy in place to support workers, a survey has found.

The situation leaves many unsure if they can take time off in the same way they would for other medical appointments, say campaigners.

The survey, commissioned by IVF provider Create Fertility and working parent organisation Cityparents, found that 48 per cent of women who responded said their employer had no policy regarding what time off or support they could expect if they needed IVF.

Gwenda Burns, of charity Fertility Network UK, said: ‘Most people experiencing fertility problems are reluctant to speak to their employer as they fear it may have a detrimental effect on their career.’